Multiple officials battle an apartment fire in downtown Wood River

March 16--WOOD RIVER -- Multiple departments successfully battled an apartment fire in Wood River Wednesday afternoon.

An apartment fire broke out at the lower level of the downtown Wood River apartment complex at 602 N. Wood River Ave., beginning around 5 p.m.

The Wood River, East Alton, Edwardsville and Roxana fire departments, with help from Hartford officials, battled flames for about 30 to 45 minutes until the fire was under control, said Wood River Fire Chief Brendan McKee.

The fire started on the lower level in apartment 602 B, where the fire then busted out a side window to progress up the apartment's exterior. The fire made its way into the attic, where officials spent a good amount of time battling the flames.

"It's an older building with a lot of voided areas," said McKee.

The complex's three or four occupants were able to evacuate before fire officials arrived, said McKee.

Ashley Hood was outside the apartment with a blanket wrapped around her. Hood said herself, a young child and one male evacuated her burning apartment after waking up from a nap, realizing the apartment was on fire.

Sheryl Klaas was next door working at State Farm Insurance when she "heard a loud pop." Klaas said she was unaware the fire broke out at first, after hearing the noise because the insurance building does not have windows facing the apartment.

As of about 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, McKee was not sure of the cause of the fire or if any occupants were injured, but the building apartment did sustain some damage.

Reach reporter Brittany Johnson at 618-208-6460, ext. 1396.

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